Estonia releases container ship after drug smuggling inspection finds nothing

The 188-metre container ship Baltic Spirit has resumed its journey after being detained in Estonian waters over suspicions of carrying narcotics. Authorities confirmed that no illegal substances were found on board.

The vessel was boarded on the afternoon of February 3 in Tallinn Bay by a helicopter-deployed police SWAT team and officials from the Estonian Tax and Customs Authority (MTA). The operation followed intelligence from international partners suggesting the ship could be used for drug smuggling, Caliber.Az reports per ERR. 

“The information received from our international partners was not confirmed this time,” said Vitali Zajarin, head of the MTA’s narcotics investigation department.

Following the boarding, the Baltic Spirit was transferred to Muuga port, east of Tallinn, where MTA officials unloaded suspicious containers and conducted a detailed customs inspection. The ship departed Muuga at 2:15 a.m. local time on February 5.

The vessel, sailing under the Bahamian flag, had entered Estonian waters for bunkering at an official anchorage. The crew of 23 did not resist the operation.

Authorities noted the ship’s route—from Puerto Bolívar, Ecuador, to St. Petersburg, Russia—had raised suspicion. 

By Sabina Mammadli